Get high as a kite

If you’re after some fun outdoor exercise, there’s nothing better than kiteboarding at St Kilda beach, says Adam Trumble.

Kiteboarding is a sport guaranteed to give you a drug-free rush. It's also great to watch.

Equipped with a kite (typically ranging in size from 8 to 12 square metres), a harness – to which the kite is attached – and a board (about the size of a snowboard) a kiter can zoom along on the water, jump and do tricks. All this is possible without a motor or petrol... all you need is water and wind.

Of course, you also need the skills to do it, but it's easier than it looks. An average student will need only five hours of lessons to be equipped to practice safely and progress.

Now, I enjoy boosting (jumping) and the great camaraderie that comes with the sport. While it's a blokey sport, I'm comfortably out and have made a heap of friends. I know of three other gay kiters, besides myself, in Melbourne and recommend it for those into adrenaline sports. But beware: it's addictive.

Starting out...

There are four kiteboarding schools in St Kilda alone and these comments relate generally to all of them.

Lessons of a total 5 hours duration (usually in 3 sessions) cost around $350-$400. All gear is provided and should include kite, harness, board, helmet, wetsuit and buoyancy vest.

You can do a one hour intro session, but this will be on a small kite on the beach only (still fun).

The international recognised accreditation for schools and instructors is the IKO (International Kiteboarding Organisation). Membership of IKO is not mandatory in Australia, but it’s probably a good idea to look for it as students can expect a uniform standard and can be issued with an internationally recognised card.

In terms of buying gear, a kite and board will give a rider of a certain weight an effective wind range. An 80kg rider would most likely have a 12 square metre kite in Melbourne, whereas a 65kg rider might have a 9 square metre kite. Keen kiters often have two (or more) kites of different sizes.

The main season in Melbourne starts in September and winds up in early April. We get lots of sea breezes which tend to be consistent and go until dark. Lots of kiters don't kite in winter, but some do. A decent wetsuit is essential against the cold.

Adam Trumble is a part-time instructor with Kite Republic at St Kilda West beach.